Cuba Flag
Why visit Cuba?
For art, beaches, bicycling, birdwatching, boating, cabarets, caving, classic automobiles, colonial architecture, culture, fishing, golf, history, horseback riding, lakes, mountain ranges, museums, music, nightlife, rain forests, rivers, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and water sports.
National Capitol Building, Havana, Cuba. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Art, cigars, embroidered clothing, lace tablecloths, perfume and rum.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Arroz con Pollo (Rice and chicken). Bistec de Palomilla (marinated beef). Boliche (pot roast). Cuban Sandwich. Medianoche (sandwich). Moros y Cristianos (rice and beans). Ropa Vieja (shredded flank steak).
- Local Drink to Try: Cortadito (espresso). El Presidente (cocktail). Hatuey Beer. Ironbeer (soft drink). Jupina (pineapple soda).
Viñales Valley, Viñales, Cuba. Photo Credit: fab Wüst/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- In 1492, Christopher Columbus (1451-1506), Italian Explorer claimed the island for Spain calling it "Isla Juana" after Prince of Asturias.
- In 1511, Baracoa was founded.
- In 1529, measles outbreak killed many.
- In 1539, Hernando de Soto (1500-1542), Spanish Explorer left (Havanna), arriving in Florida seeking gold and power.
- In 1548, Dr Gonzalo Perez de Angulo, appointed Governor.
- In 1555, the French conquered Havana, later seized by Britain.
- During 16th Century (1501-1600) and 19th Century (1801-1900), practiced African religion, Santería (Regla de Ocha).
- In 1892, José Julián Martí Pérez (1853-1895), Cuban Philosopher founded Cuban Revolutionary Party (New York) became a hero following his death during the Battle of Dos Rios.
- Until 1898, a colony of Spain became a protectorate of the United States.
- In 1959, Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (1926-2016) served as Prime Minister until 1976 under a communist rule.
- In 1902, became independent.
- In 1906, first elected President, Tomás Estrada Palma (1835-1908).
- In 1960, under presidential request the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) began to train Cuban refugees in efforts to overthrow Castro regime.
- From 1975-1991, sent citizens to fight in Angola (South Africa).
- In 1976, Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (1926-2016) served as President until 2008.
- Until 1993, refused American donations of cash, food and medicine.
- In 1998, in honor of Pope John Paul II visit, Christmas Day was restored.
- In 2009, former imposed government restrictions were lifted on citizens.
- In 2010, citizens were permitted to build their own houses.
- In 2015, first country to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.
- In 2016, following Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (1926-2016) death the government declared a nine-day mourning period prohibiting alcohol, loud music or partying.
- Largest of the Caribbean Islands.
- United States is their largest importer of food.
- World's only planned economy.
- Exports citrus fruits, coffee, fish, medical products, nickel, sugar and tobacco.
- Only country to meet the conditions of sustainable development set by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
- Citizens (over 16) never convicted of a criminal offense may vote.
- No political parties are permitted to nominate or campaign.
- Households ahere to a Ration Book set by the government on individuals monthly subsidiary costs of food and other goods.
- Canada operates a large nickel mining facility on the island (Moa).
- Prior to each Pope's visit the government pardoned prisoners.
- Only has five (government controlled) channels.
- Birthplace of celebrity, Gloria Estefan (Havana), Cuban-American Actress, Singer and Songwriter. A Miami Beach, FL resident.
- Boxers are not permitted to turn professional by law.
- Students wear school uniforms and their grade level varies in color.
- Provides citizens with universal health care.
Havana, Cuba. Photo Credit: Michiel Ton/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (February) Habanos Festival, International Book Fair, (March) Celebration of Classic Cars, International Festival of La Trova Pepe Sánchez, (May) International Blue Marlin Tournament, (June) International Festival Boleros de Oro, International Old Man and the Sea Billfish Tournament, (July) Carnival, Fiesta del Caribe, (August) Carnival, Symposia de Hip Hop Cubano, (September) Fiesta de la Virgen del Cobre, (October) Havana International Ballet Festival, International Festival Matamoros Son International Fishing Tournament, (December) International Festival of New Latin American Film, International Jazz Festival and Las Parrandas.
- Holidays: Triumph of the Revolution, Victory Day, Good Friday. Labour Day, Independence Day, Commemoration of the Assault of the Moncada Garrison and Christmas Day.
(Classic Automobiles) Havana, Cuba. Photo Credit: Greg Montani/Pixabay
Good to Know
- Not an inexpensive country to visit.
- Medical and healthcare facilities do not meet our standards.
- Many resort facilities are isolated.
- Beach riptides can be dangerous.
- Their Baseball Season is October-March.
- City air pollution is an issue.
- Traveler's Checks, U.S. Bank Credit or Debit cards are not accepted.
- Internet access is controlled and limited, emails are closely monitored.
- Drink bottled water.
- Foreign Students are required to test for AIDS/HIV prior to entry.
- SIM cards are not purchasable at the airport.
- Export Permit is required on paintings and sculptures.
- Requires visitors to have medical insurance.
- Avoid demonstrations/protests.
- Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Hepatitis A, Rabies, Typhoid and Zika Virus are present.
- Visitors are restricted to select hotels and operators.
- Daily activities must be documented and accounted for.
Cuba. Photo Credit: merkure/Pixabay
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages.
- Tourist VISA required.
- Required Vaccination from select countries.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry: $5,000USD, Export of Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) is strictly prohibited.
On 8/6/20 a Level 4 Do Not Travel Advisory.
- Best Time to Visit: November - April
- Coldest Months: January - February
- Hottest Months: July - August
- Peak Season: December - March
Hurricane Season is June - November, their impact usually between September - October.
Havana, Cuba. Photo Credit: Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the South-East of Cuba. Desembarco del Granma National Park, Historic Centre of Camagüey, Historic Centre of Cienfuegos, Old Havana and its Fortifications, San Pedro de la Roca Castle Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios, and Viñales Valley.
(Taxi), Cuba. Photo Credit: Pixabay
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Vedado, Cuba. Photo Credit: Alejandra Calvillo/Pixabay
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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